It is endemic to Sonoma County, California, where it is known from only one remaining natural occurrence near Vine Hill.

A second natural population located on private land was extirpated when the owners plowed up the soil crust.

[1] The California Native Plant Society has established a third population from cuttings and is tending it in a reserve.

Vine Hill clarkia is an annual herb growing erect to about half a meter in maximum height.

The petals are fan-shaped with frilly edges, measuring 2 to 2.5 centimeters long.